Ameren sued over lineman's injuries

An electrical worker claims he suffered vertebral injuries when a guy wire broke as he worked on a tower last year in East Alton.

In a suit against Ameren IP, Justin Schwigen, a lineman for Miller Construction, claims the power company is negligent for failing to provide safe equipment.

Schwigen was attempting to replace wire on Tower 28 located on Route 140 on March 30, 2007, when the incident happened.

According to his complaint filed Nov. 14 in Madison County Circuit Court, Schwigen suffered great pain and anguish and incurred large medical bills.

His wife, Kathy Schwigen, is seeking compensation for loss of services of her husband.

The Schwigens seek in excess of $100,000 in damages. They are represented by David. W. Dugan of East Alton.

Madison County case 08-L-1086.